Clutch control



Feb. 29, 1944. W, W. @RILEY 2,342,645

CLUTCH CONTROL u Filed April 23, 1940 54 52 ,M3 INVENTOR.

35 WILLIAM W.CR|LEY ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 29, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLUTCH CONTgRQL William W. Criley, Shaker Heights, Ohio Application. April 23, 1940, Serial No. 331,117

l Claims.

The present invention relates to a mechanism for so controlling the operation of the driving elements of a metal working machine as to enhance its safety and to protect `certain parts of the machine against wear and deterioration. The mechanism embodying the principle of my invention is particularly adapted to be used upon metal workin-g machines of the character of forging machines and forging presses.

Generally outlined, the invention comprises two objectives: first, to prevent the machine from repeating its operating cycle without an intervening manipulation by the operator, and secondly, to control the maximum rate, e. g., the number of strokes per minute, at which the machine can be operated. The rst of these objectives contributes to human safety in that the machine is definitely stopped at the end of each stroke and requires a distinct manipulation by the operator in order to repeat itsv cycle of operation, thus eliminating the hazard, for example, which heretoiore has occurred when, even in automatically controlled machines, the drive shaft over-runs due to excess inertia, and re-trips the drive-engaging, actuating mechanism. The second of these ob# jectives has for its major advantage, the prevention of over-heating and consequent deterioration oi the dies by attempting a too rapid rate of operation of the machine.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the following description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The annexed drawing and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention maybe used.

in said annexed drawing:

Fig. l is an elevational view showing the mechanism embodying 4my invention as applied tothe pertinent opera-tive parts of a metal working machine, the latter, of course, lmerely being indicated in partial outline; Fig. 2 is a detailed, sectional view oi the vfour-way manual valve employed in the control mechanism of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 is a detailed, sectional view of the by-pass or exhaust valve employed in the control-mechanism of Fig. 1.

Now referring more particularly to the drawing, there is shown therein the crank-shaft` I `of a metal. working machine, such as a forging machine or a forging press. A cam 2 is carried on the crank-shaft I,f and as subsequently to be described, isA adapted to contact certain actuating elements of my control mechanism.r As is Wellknown to those skilled in the art, such a metal working machine comprises other major elements such as a drive motor, a clutch and. brake, and possibly a high-speed shaft and gears, connecting the drive motor to the crank-shaft, and a con necting rod or pitman connecting the crank-shaft to the movable dies. Such component parts of the machine, and their assembly, being a matter of elemental knowledge to those skilled in the art, itis not deemed necessary to further describe or illustrate them herein.

A main control valve, indicated generally at 2 and preferably mounted upon the side frame of the machine, includes a clutch-actuating control valve 4, leading to the pressure line 5 and a brakeactuating control valve vI3, leading to the pressure line 1. These tvvo vvalves 4 and 6 are, 'in turn, connected to a piston rod 8 of the piston 9, reciprocable in the pressure cylinder I0. A latch pin II extends through the wall of the cylinder I0 and is adapted to engage in a stepped recess in the piston .9. An adjustable length connecting rod I2 connects the latch pin I I to the bell-crank I3 which has a roller M 'on Vits opposite end .and adapted to be contacted with the cam 2.

lThe last-described main or dual control valve mechanism constitutes the subject-matter of my co-pend-in-g application Ser. vNo. 192,956, iiled February 28, 1938, and consequently, is not here described or illustrated in greater detail.. Its detailed construction and Amode of operation is accordingly herein incorporated by reference.

A pressure supply line I 5, leading fromasource of fluid pressure such as a compressed .air tank (not shown) communicates withthe line IB leading to the intake manifold I'I on the main control valve 3. The pressure line I5 also connects with the inlet I8 oi' the `four-way manually operated, or tread kvalve I9. The four-way valve i9 is suitably inthe -form of a standard foot treadle and comprises the outlets 20 and 2| and the exhaust outlet 22, in addition .to the inlet I8. The outlet 20 connects through the line 23 .to the Ivalve .cylinder IU. The outlet 2I connects through the line -24 to ythe parallel lines 25 and 26, vby means of the `T connectors, as shown, to the line 21. An adjustable throttle valve 28 vis connected in vthe line 25 and includes the threadably mounted .ncedle valve '29 which can be set to adjusted positions in order -to regulate the amount of fluid now through the :line 25 and thence,- `to the linev ,-21,

A check valve 39 is connected in the line 26 and so arranged as to prevent fluid pressure flow in a direction from the four-Way valve I9 to the line 21, but not to prevent flow in the opposite direction.

The line 21 connects to the by-pass or exhaust valve 3|, which is also mounted upon the side frame of the metal Working machine and at a point adjacent the cam 2, whereby its mechanical parts are actuatable by the cam. A pressure line 32 connects the exhaust valve 3| to the cylinder IU. A shut-off valve 33 is connected in the line 32.

Fig. 2 is a sectional detail taken through two individual valves of the four in the foot treadle, four-Way valve I9. The operating lever is in the form of a treadle 35 pivoted at the point 35, hav-- ing an integral, projecting lug 31 adapted to con tact With the rocker arm 38, which is pivotally mounted at 39. rIhe rocker arm 38 contacts the projecting ends of the poppet valves 40 and 4I. A passage 42 connects the seat side (righthand side) ofthe valve 40, with the head side (lefthand side) of the valve 4|. A passage 43 connects the seat side oi" the valve 4I to the exhaust port 22 and also to the transverse passage 44. The transverse passage 45 also connects the space around the inlet i8 to the seat side of the corresponding poppet valve for the outlet 2 I. It is to be understood, of course, that there is a similar pair of poppet valves connected to the outlet 2| and the exhaust 22 and operated through the rocker arm 38.

The exhaust valve 3|, shown in detail in Fig. 3. includes a movable valve member in the form of a piston 59, the lefthand portion of which is hollow and has a double series of ports 5I and 52 which are axially -spaced apart a sufficient distance to bridge the partition wall 53. The partition wall 53 separates the larger diameter wall portions 54 and 55 of the cylinder in which the piston reciprocates. The enlarged wall portion 54 is in communication with the line 32 and the enlarged wall portion 55 is in communication with the exhaust port 56.` Suitable pressure seals are provided around the `piston 50, such as indicated at 51, 58 and 59.

The lefthand end of the piston 50 is adapted to contact with the lever 60, which is pivotally mounted to the body of the valve 3| at 6I. The outer end of the lever 60 is adapted to contact Withthe overhanging lip 62, and thereby to limit outward movement of the lever 60 and lefthand movement of the piston 50. As is shown in Fig. 1, the lever 651s adapted to contact with the cam 2. The valve 3| is so mounted that the high spot, denoted 2' of the cam 2, when in contact with the lever 50, will move the piston 50 to its furthest righthand direction and thus place the line 32 in communication, through the ports 5| and 52, with the exhaust port 56.

The righthand end of the piston 50, carrying a cup washer 63, sealing it against pressure Within its cylinder, is in communication with the end of the pressure line 21, so that pressure from the latter line is operable to move the piston 50 in a lefthand direction and to the position which it occupies as shown in Fig. 3.

The operation of the above-described mechanism is as follows: In order to start the metal working machine on its stroke or cycle of operation, the operator depresses the treadle 35, whereupon, pressure from the line |5 goes through the valve 40 to the outlet 20, to the line 23, to the cylinder I0, to move the piston 9 in a lefthand direction and to thus progressively open the valves 4 and 6. As the main control valves 4 and 6 are liz.

opened, they so control the introduction of pressure from the line I6 to the lines 5 and 1 as to release the brake and engage the clutch of the machine. At the same time, the latch II drops down into the recess in the piston 9, holding it in a lefthand position and the valves 4 and 6 in the position to which they have been so actuated. The crankshaft I then rotates in the direction of the indicating arrow, and through the majority of its working stroke, when the high spot 2 or" the cam 2 contacts the cam lever 60 and moves the piston 5U in a righthand direction, or to its retarded position, Where it remains for the time being.

Then, as the high spot 2 contacts the roller |4 the latch pin I I is raised, permitting the piston 9 to move in a righthand direction under the pressure of the spring 65, whereupon, the valves 4 and 6 are closed, the clutch released and the brakes set, so that the machine stops.

If, during this last-described cycle of operation the operator holds the treadle 35 depressed, whether by mistake or intentionally, the machine will not repeat its stroke because any pressure introduced to the cylinder I0 will be inoperative to urge the piston 9 in a lefthand direction, since it is exhausted through the valve 3|. Hence, in order to restart the machine, the operator must again release the treadle 35 (to a position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2), whereupon, pressure from the pressure supply line I5 enters the line 24, to the line 25, through the throttle valve 28, to the line 21, to move the plunger 5U in a lefthand direction, closing the line 32 to exhaust, thus rendering the pressure cylinder I0 again operative when pressure is introduced to it. This, the operator does by depressing the treadle 35 and starting the machine on a repeat stroke or cycle of operation, as rst described.

As the treadle 35 is depressed, the line 24 is placed in communication with the exhaust port 22, so that pressure from the line 21, through the line 26 and past the check valve 30, is relieved, and the plunger 50 thereby permitted to be moved in a righthand direction as the cam lever 60 is actuated from the cam high spot 2'.

It will be seen that the time required for resetting the exhaust valve 3l, viz., moving the piston 50 in a lefthand direction, is dependent upon the rate at which pressure is built up or ows into the line 21 past the valve 28. time interval can be varied from zero to ininlty, dependent upon the setting of the needle valve 29. In this manner, the number of strokes per minute, or the rate of the operation of the machine, can be controlled to any desired amount, by setting the valve 28, since the operator will have to allow the treadle 35 to remain in its upward position for the required amount of time to re-set the valve 3| before he may again start the machine stroke.

The shut-off valve 33 is provided in the line 32 in the event that, for some particular reason, such as for test purposes, the aboveIdescribed non-repeat and timing control operation is desired to be dispensed with. When the valve 33 is closed, the machine may then be run upon a repeated stroke operation merely by holding the treadle 35 in depressed position.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated .by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.`

This.

I, therefore, particularly point out and dis.- tinctly claim as my invention:

1. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the'combination of .pressure-actuated valve means for initiating the operation .of the driving mechanism cisaid machine, manually actuated valve means for controlling the introduction of pressure to said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means .connected to the latter for re-setting it to starting position at the end of one complete working cycle of vsaid machine, and another valve means .actuated by said machine .and connected to .said pressure-actuated valve means for rendering the latter inoperative.

2. In a control mechanism for a .metal working machine, the combination of pressure-actuated valve means .for initiating the operation of the driving mechanism Vof said machine, manually .actuated valve means 'for controlling the in.- troduction of pressure to said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for re-.setting it to starting position at the end oi .one complete working cycle of said machine, and another valve means actuated by y pressure from said manually actuated valve means vand so connected to said pressure-actuated valve means as to require the intermediate manipulation of said manually actuated valve means between operating cycles of said pressureactuated valve means to render the latter operative.

3,. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the combination of pressure-actuated valve means for initiating the operation .of the driving mechanism of said machine, manually actuated valve means for controlling the introduction of pressure .tc said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for re-setting it to starting position at the end of one complete working cycle of said machine, another valve means actuated by pressure from said manually actuated valve means and so connected to said pressure-actuated valve means as to require the intermediate manipulation of said manually actuated valve means be- .tween operating cycles of said pressure-actuated valve means to render the latter operative, and means for adjustably regulating the rate of pressure transmission from said manually actuated valve means to said another valve means to vary the time interval oi such intermediate manipulation.

4:. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the combination of pressure-actuated valve means for initiating the operation of the driving mechanism of said machine, .manually lactuated valve means for controlling the introduction of pressure to said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for re-setting it to starting position at the end cf one complete Working cycle of said machine, yand another valve means connected to said pressure-actuated valve means and actuated by said machine in one direction to render said pressure-actuated valve means inoperative, said another valve means being also actuated by pressure from said manually actuated valve means in the opposite direction to render said pressureactuated valve means inoperative.

'5. Ina control mechanism for a metal Work.- ing machine, the combination of pressure-actuated valve means for initiating the operation of the driving mechanism of said machine, manually actuated valve means for controlling the inktroduction of pressure to said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for re-:setting it to starting position at the .end of one complete working cycle of said machine, .another valve means actuated both by said machine and `by pressure from said manually actuated valve means, said another valve means being so connected to said pressure-actuated valve means as to require the intermediate manipulation of said manually actuated valve `means between operating ,cycles of said pressure-actuated valve means to render the latter operative.

5. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, .the combination of pressure-actuated valve ;means for initiating the operation of the driving mechanism of .said machine, manually actuated yalve means for vcontrolling the introduction .of pressure to said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for .re-setting it to starting position at the end of one complete Working cycle of said machine, another valve means actuated both by said machine and by pressure from said manually actuated valve means, said another valve means Ibeing so connected to said pressureactuated valve means as to require the intern mediate manipulation of said manually actuated `valve means between operating cycles of said pressure-actuated valve means to render the latter operative, and means for adjustably regulating the rate of pressure transmission from said manually actuated valve means to said another valve means to vary the time interval of such intermediate manipulation.

7. In a control mechanism for a metal working machine, the combination of a pressure-actuated main control valve for controlling the operation of the driving mechanism for said machine, an exhaust valve connected to said main control valve, said c xhaust valve being adapted to be opened by movement transmitted from said machine and to be kclosed by pressure actuation, the open position of said exhaust valve relieving pressure introduced to said main control valve to render the latter inoperative and the cio-sed position of said exhaust valve preventing the relief of such pressure to render said main control valve operative, and a manual valve adapted to alternatively direct pressure to said main control valve .and to said exhaust valve.

8, In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the combination of a pressure-actuated main control valve lfor controlling the operation of the driving mechanism for said machine, an exhaust valve connected to said main control valve, said exhaust valve being adapted to be opened by movement transmitted `from said machine and to be closed by pressure actuation, the open position of said exhaust valve relieving pressure introduced to said main control valve to render the latter inoperative and the closed position of .said exhaust valve preventing 'the relief oi such pressure to render said main control valve operative, a manual valve adapted to alternatively direct pressure to said main control valve .and to said exhaust valve, and an adjustable throttle valve connected between said manual valve and said exhaust valve for variabiy regulating the rate of pressure flow to the latter.

9. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the `combination oi a pressure-actuated main control lvalve for controlling the operation of the driving mechanism for said machine, .an exhaust valve connected to said main control valvesaid .exhaust valve being adapted to be opened by movement transmitted from said machine and to be closed by pressure actuation, the open position of said exhaust valve relieving pressure introduced to said main control valve to render the latter inoperative and the closed position of said exhaust valve preventing the relief of such pressure to render said main control valve operative, a manual valve adapted to a1- ternatively direct pressure to said main control valve and to said exhaust valve, an adjustable throttle valve connected between said manual valve and said exhaust valve for variably regulating the rate of pressure iiow to the latter, and a check valve connected in parallel with said throttle valve for establishing unimpeded, oneway ow around the latter.

10. In a control mechanism for a metal working machine, the combination of a pressure-actuated cylinder and piston, control valves for introducing actuating pressure to the driving mechanism elements of said machine, said control valves being connected to and operated by said piston, a four-way, manually operated valve having an inlet, two outlets and an exhaust, a pressure supply line connected to said inlet, a second pressure line connecting one of said outlets to said cylinder, an exhaust valve adapted to be opened by movement transmitted from said machine, and to be closed by pressure actuation, a third pressure line connecting said cylinders to said exhaust valve, and a fourth pressure line connecting the other of said outlets of said four-Way valve to said exhaust valve for pressure actuation of the latter, said fourway valve being adapted, in alternative positions of manipulation, to open said pressure supply line to either one oi said outlets while connecting the other of said outlets, not so opened, to said exhaust.

11. In a control mechanism for a metal working machine, the combination of a pressure-actuated cylinder and piston, control valves for introducing actuating pressure to the driving mechanism elements of said machine, said control valves being connected to and operated by said piston, a four-Way, manually operated valve having an inlet, two outlets and an exhaust, a pressure supply line connected to said inlet, a second pressure line connecting one of said outlets to said cylinder, an exhaust valve adapted to be opened by movement transmitted from said machine, and to be closed by pressure actuation, a third pressure line connecting said cylinders to said exhaust valve, a fourth pressure line connecting the other of said outlets of said four- Way valve to said exhaust valve for pressure actuation of the latter, said four-Way valve being adapted, in alternative positions of manipulation, to open said pressure supply line to either one of said outlets While connecting the other of said outlets, not so opened, to said exhaust, and an adjustable throttle valve connected in said fourth pressure line for variably regulating the rate of pressure ilow therethrough to said exhaust valve.

l2. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the combination of a pressure-actuated cylinder and piston, control valves for introducing actuating pressure to the driving mechanism elements of said machine, said control valves being connected to and operated by said piston, a four-Way, manually operated valve having an inlet, two outlets and an exhaust, a pressure supply line connected to said inlet, a second pressure line connecting one of said outlets to said cylinder, an exhaust valve adapted to be opened by movement transmitted from said machine, and to be closed by pressure actuation, a third pressure line connecting said cylinders to said exhaust valve, a fourth pressure line connecting the other of said outlets of said four-Way valve to said exhaust valve for pressure actuation of the latter, said four-Way valve being adapted, in alternative positions of manipulation, to open said pressure supply line to either one of said outlets While connecting the other of said outlets, not so opened, to said exhaust, an adjustable throttle valve connected in said fourth pressure line for variably regulating the rate of pressure flow therethrough to said exhaust valve, and a check valve connected in parallel with said throttle valve.

13. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the combination of a pressure-actuated cylinder and piston, control valves for introducing actuating pressure to the driving mechanism elements of said machine, said control valves being connected to and operated by said piston, a four-Way, manually operated valve having an inlet, two outlets and an exhaust, a pressure supply line connected to said inlet, a second pressure line connecting one of said outlets to said cylinder, an exhaust valve adapted to he opened by movement transmitted from said machine, and to be closed by pressure actuation, a third pressure line connecting said cylinders to ,said exhaust valve, a fourth pressure line con- -necting the other of said outlets of said four- Way valve to said exhaust valve for pressure actuation of the latter, said four-way valve being adapted, in alternative positions of manipulation, to open said pressure supply line to either one of said outlets While connecting the other 'of said outlets, not so opened, to said exhaust, an adjustable throttle valve connected in said fourth pressure line for variably regulating the rate of pressure i'ioW therethrough to said exhaust valve, a check valve connected in parallel with said throttle valve, and a manually operated shut-off valve connected in said third pressure line.

14. In a control mechanism for a metal Working machine, the combination of pressure-actuated valve means for initiating the operation of the driving mechanism of said machine, manually actuated valve means for controlling the introduction of pressure to said pressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for re-setting it to starting position at the end of one complete Working cycle of said machine and another valve means connected to said pressure-actuated valve means for exhausting pressure therefrom and thereby rendering the latter inoperative.

l5. In a control mechanism for a metal working machine, the combination of pressure-actuated valve means for initiating the operation of the driving mechanism of said machine, manually actuated valve means for controlling the introduction of pressure to said p-ressure-actuated valve means, machine actuated means connected to the latter for re-setting it to starting position at the end of one complete Working cycle of said machine and another valve means actuated by said manually actuated Valve means and so connected to said pressure-actuated valve means as to exhaust pressure therefrom and to require the intermediate manipulation of said manually actuated valve means between operating cycles of said pressure-actuated valve means to render the latter operative.

WILLIAM W. CRILEY. 

